The former Manchester United hero discussed his coaching intentions little over 12 months since last leaving Old Trafford
Ruud van Nistelrooy during his time as Leicester City manager
Ruud van Nistelrooy could be back in the dugout soon(Image: PA)
Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy would prefer a return to coaching closer to home in the Netherlands, as he continues to scout out his next opportunity.
Last campaign was a whirlwind for Van Nistelrooy as he went from assistant at United to interim manager with a record of three wins and one draw in four matches. When Ruben Amorim was installed at Old Trafford, the Dutchman was given control at Leicester City.
But the 49-year-old was unable to steer the Foxes away from relegation and has been out of a job since the summer.
Now it would seem a return to work - either as manager or as part of a coaching team - in the Netherlands is Van Nistelrooy's current preference.
"I've been a manager, but I was also Erik ten Hag's assistant in Manchester," he explained to Dutch broadcaster Omroep Brabant.
"I'm open to both roles. If a golden opportunity arises to become an assistant, that's also a possibility.
"I've been away for a year. But it's really nice to be home with your family. I have two children, aged 19 and 17, who are also making progress now, so I want to be part of that. If that's possible, then that's my preference.
"I'm not ruling anything out. If our ambitions align and it's a good fit, then it's fine."
The former United record signing's son, Liam, is currently playing for PSV Eindhoven's Under-19s side.
They are also his former club, whom he left to join Sir Alex Ferguson's team in 2001, and later re-joined to begin his coaching career.
Van Nistelrooy progressed through the PSV youth ranks as a coach before eventually being appointed as first-team coach in 2022. There, he won the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield.
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